What High School Students Do in Social Science Programs

Summary:

Social science pre-college programs introduce high school students to subjects such as psychology, government, international relations, and public policy. Students often examine real-world social issues, analyze research, and debate policy questions. These programs provide early exposure to the types of discussions and analysis students encounter in college social science majors.

Key Points:

• Social science programs introduce topics like psychology, government, and global policy.
• Students analyze real-world social issues and public policy debates.
• Courses often include case studies, applied projects, and interactive learning.
• Exploring social science early helps students understand potential college majors.

Many high school students are curious about subjects like psychology or international relations but may not have access to those courses in their regular school curriculum.

Social science pre-college programs allow students to explore these fields through university-level subjects designed specifically for high school learners.

Instead of focusing only on memorization, these programs often emphasize analyzing ideas, applied projects, and examining how societies function.

Students begin to explore how different social systems shape communities, policies, and global events.

Social Science Subjects Students Often Explore

Social science programs cover a wide range of subjects connected to human behavior, society, and government.

Students may explore topics such as:

• Psychology and human behavior
• International relations and global policy
• Political science and government institutions
• Sociology and social change
• Ethics and public policy

These subjects help students understand how social systems influence the decisions made by governments, organizations, and communities.

Examples of Social Science Pre-College Courses

Many universities offer social science pre-college courses designed specifically for high school students.

For example:

• Georgetown University’s International Relations course explores global diplomacy, human rights, and foreign policy challenges.
• Rice University’s International Relations course introduces students to how nations interact and how international policy decisions affect global stability.
• Northwestern University’s Psychology course examines how people think, behave, and make decisions.

These courses help students explore academic fields that they may later consider studying in college.

What Social Science Learning Looks Like

Students in social science programs often engage in activities such as:

• Debating current events or policy issues
• Analyzing historical or political case studies
• Examining psychological research findings
• Writing short policy analyses or reflection essays
• Evaluating how social systems influence real-world outcomes

These activities mirror the types of assignments students often encounter in college social science courses.

Students who enjoy discussing ideas, examining social trends, and exploring how policies affect communities often find these subjects particularly engaging.

How Social Science Pre-College Programs Build College-Ready Skills

In addition to introducing academic subjects, social science courses help students develop important academic skills.

Students may practice:

• Critical thinking and analytical reasoning
• Research and information evaluation
• Writing and communication
• Evaluating evidence and arguments

These same abilities are often discussed in our guide on the top skills students need in college and how to build them now, which explains how students develop academic independence before college.

Exploring Social Science Before Choosing a Major

Many students discover their academic interests by trying subjects before committing to a major.

Social science pre-college programs provide opportunities to explore topics that may not appear in a high school curriculum.

For example, a student interested in psychology might discover a passion for research, while a student curious about politics might become interested in international relations or policy analysis.

Trying these subjects early can help students better understand which academic paths feel most engaging.

Students interested in exploring government, psychology, or international relations can browse social science courses offered by leading universities.

Last reviewed by Ashley Simmons on 7/6/2026.